The evangelist Tony Campolo has left this earthly life at the age of 89 and gone home to his beloved Jesus after preaching in tens of thousands of places across the U.S. and the world, leading many to the Christian faith. 

Tony particularly resonated with young people through his humor and radicalism, combining the proclamation of the Gospel with a message that following Jesus involves engaging with the poor, the environment, and economic justice.

On one occasion while preaching, he said:

“Yesterday, ten thousand children died of hunger. Most of you don’t give a shit. What’s worse: many of you are more upset that I said ‘shit’ than that ten thousand children died!”

He called himself a “Red Letter Christian,” a reference to the way Jesus’ words are often highlighted in red in English Bibles, emphasizing that Jesus’ teachings should define every Christian’s life. Loving enemies, giving to the poor, and healing the sick aren’t optional extras for a select few—they are every Christian’s mission and privilege.

This conviction made Tony Campolo a strong critic of the Christian right in the U.S. In 2006, he told talk show host Stephen Colbert:

“Mixing religion and politics is like mixing ice cream and horse manure. It doesn’t hurt the manure, but it ruins the ice cream. I think this blending of church and state has done great harm to religion, and I think we’re going to regret it.”

(“I think Ben and Jerry’s are working on that flavor,” Colbert quipped in response.)

My favorite story about Tony Campolo is the following:

Tony was in Hawaii for a conference and couldn’t sleep, so he went to a small diner at 3 a.m. While sitting there, a group of prostitutes came in, and one of them, Agnes, mentioned that it was her birthday the next day. When her friend joked that they should throw her a party, Agnes replied despondently:

“I’ve never had a birthday party in my entire life. Why would I have one now?”

Tony decided to throw her a party. He worked with the diner’s owner, Harry, to decorate the place. When Agnes arrived at 3:30 a.m. the next day, she was greeted with balloons, cake, and a crowd shouting, “Happy birthday, Agnes!”

She was deeply moved. When she received the cake, she asked if she could take it home instead of cutting it. She carried it like a sacred treasure.

After Agnes left, Tony prayed with those present, which included several prostitutes. Harry then asked Tony what kind of church he belonged to. Tony replied:

“I belong to a church that throws birthday parties for prostitutes at 3:30 in the morning.”

Harry responded: “That’s the kind of church I want to join.”

Thank you, God, for Tony Campolo and all he has meant to so many people! May he enjoy the heavenly celebration awaiting him!